Hypovitaminosis A clinical trials

A Randomized Controlled Trial Testing The Effect Of A Multi-Nutrient Fortified Juice

The goal of this investigator-initiated study is to determine whether the fortification of orange juice with vitamin D, vitamin A, and vitamin E will enhance the vitamin D, vitamin A, and vitamin E status children ages 6-10 that are seen at the Division of Pediatrics at Boston University Medical Center. Circulating concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], vitamin A, and vitamin E before, will be measured at mid-intervention (week 6), and after a period of twelve weeks. This study plans to recruit 180 male and female subjects between the ages of 6 and 10. An informed consent will be explained and discussed with the subjects and their parents/guardians willing to participate in the study. The study will be twelve weeks. Blood will be drawn during the initial visit, mid-intervention (week 6), and week 12. Dietary intake will be assessed at baseline and at the conclusion of the 12-week intervention using a 3-day food record. The subjects will be randomized in a double-blinded manner via an electronically shuffled listed. Subjects will be randomized to receive one of three beverages: (1) calcium plus vitamin D fortified orange juice (intervention A), (2) calcium plus vitamins D, A, and E fortified orange juice (intervention B) or (3) calcium-only fortified orange juice (controls). Subjects in all groups will drink two 8-oz. glasses of juice at least six hours apart (morning and afternoon) per day for a period of 12 weeks. Subjects randomized to intervention A will receive 200 IU vitamin D and 700 mg of calcium per day in 2 glasses of juice, intervention B will receive 200 IU vitamin D, 12 IU vitamin E, 2000 IU vitamin A as beta carotene, and 700 mg of calcium per day in 2 glasses of juice, while controls will receive 700 mg of calcium per day in 2 glasses of juice. A blood sample will be obtained before the subjects begin drinking the orange juice and at week 12 to determine levels of 25(OH)D which is a measure of vitamin D status. Blood will also be used for determining osteocalcin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), alkaline phosphatase, phosphorus, calcium, C-telopeptide (CTX), albumin, vitamin A, and vitamin E. A blood sample will also be obtained at week 6 for 25(OH)D and PTH.